Distraction with Dr. Ned Hallowell

Struggling with distractions in this amped up world? Renowned ADHD expert Dr. Ned Hallowell guides us through stories, guests, tips, calls, and lots of surprises too. If you’re pulled and prodded all day from many directions or tied to your smartphone and apps, this insightful and entertaining journey will help you regain control of your life in a fun and novel way. Give it a listen and … wait, did you see that bird?

As Dr. H puts it, children's author Dav Pilkey is a purveyor of love and tenderness. Through his extremely popular books, including the Captain Underpants and Dog Man series, Dav has brought laughter and joy to millions of kids and adults around the world. In this follow-up to our full-length episode this week, the author with ADHD and dylexia answers several questions we received from a class of 4th and 5th grade students at Green Acres Elementary School in North Haven, Connecticut. And Ned shares his own thoughts on Dav's books and message.

To learn more about Dav Pilkey and all of his books visit his website HERE.

To hear the full-length Distraction episode featuring Dav's amazing life story click HERE.

Beloved children's author Dav Pilkey joined Dr. H to talk about their shared "gifts" of ADHD and dyslexia, and the years of abuse that Dav suffered in elementary school. The creator of the wildly popular graphic novel series Captain Underpants, as well as Dog Man and many others, opened up about what it was like to have his desk permanently moved to the hallway in 2nd grade, the paddling he received from his teachers, and how unconditional love and support from his parents helped shape who he is today. Plus, hear about the inspiration behind some of Dav's most-popular characters, and how he used to sell books out of the trunk of his car!

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. To learn more about the college of choice for students who learn differently, or to schedule a campus visit, go to http://www.lcdistraction.org.

Dr. H proposes an alternative to new year's resolutions. Listen as he describes what you should be doing instead of making mandates for yourself in 2019.

Happy New Year to all of our listeners! We hope this is your best year yet!

To have a show idea you'd like to see us work on in 2019? Email your idea to connect@distractionpodcast.com. Or better yet, record your idea as a voice memo on your phone and send the file to us!

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently. To learn more or to schedule a visit of their beautiful campus in Putney, Vermont visit http://www.lcdistraction.org.

Dr. Hallowell considers it a happy accident that he happened to attend a lecture given by third-grade teachers Darrah Parsons and Becky Kline. The talk focused on their experiences teaching young girls about Carol Dweck's groundbreaking findings regarding ability and achievement in life. In this episode, Darrah and Becky join Dr. Hallowell to talk about the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and why productive struggle is a really good thing. If you want to do more and be more in life, this episode is here to show you that you can! It's never too late to change your mindset, achieve your goals and find success.

As December 25th approaches Ned reflects on warm memories from holidays long gone, and encourages listeners to reach out to those around them regardless of whether or not they celebrate Christmas. It's a time when everyone can give love!

We hope all of our listeners have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Dr. Hallowell talks to celebrated psychologist, Dr. Sharon Saline about the key components she believes will help parents to raise empowered and confident children with ADHD. This is a powerful episode with insights for the entire family. You can learn more about Dr. Saline by visiting www.drsharonsaline.com. Dr. Saline’s latest book What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life is available now.

Author Alex Elle wrote, "I'm thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn't have stumbled across my strength."

This week Dr. Hallowell responds to an email we received from a listener who is struggling with her ADHD and executive function challenges, but desperately wants to be happy and make a difference in people's lives.

Getting help for mental health shouldn't leave a person thinking that others will treat them differently, or that their job is at risk. That's part of the reason Kristin Walker founded the Mental Health News Radio Network, which is currently home to over 40 podcasts on a variety of mental health topics. She talks to Ned about her personal story (which includes being diagnosed with ADHD at age 48) along with a discussion about the stigma of getting help for mental health issues and how she's actively fighting to change the status quo.

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently!

Dr. Hallowell celebrated his birthday earlier this week and shares some words of wisdom on growing older. And as Ned says at the end of this episode, we wish all of our listeners many happy birthdays ahead!

Please take our listener survey! It's only 9 questions and should take just a minute or two to fill out. Thanks in advance!

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently.

Jessica McCabe likes to walk around while she's reading-- it helps her learn better! Dr. Hallowell used flashcards to get him through medical school. Do you know how you learn best? In this special episode sponsored by Landmark College, Ned and the How to ADHD creator talk about the importance of listening to yourself to discover your unique learning style, and how that knowledge can help you achieve success in high school, college and beyond.

This special episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently.

Is life feeling a little too hectic these days? Then it's time to un-busy yourself. Dr. Hallowell outlines three easy ways to feel less busy and regain control of your day, in this mini that was inspired by a recent article from DailyGood.org.

What do boys need that they're not getting? Dr. Michael Thompson joins Dr. Hallowell to talk about where boys stand in today's world versus girls. Dr. Thompson is best known as a NY Times bestselling author and international speaker on the subject of children, schools and parenting who has written nine books focusing on the emotional lives of boys, friendships and social cruelty in childhood and many more topics related to the subject of raising boys.

Today we're sharing a mini episode we produced two years ago featuring kids talking about why they are grateful. It'll warm your heart, we promise! (We're taking some extra time this week to be with our families and we hope you are too!)

This episode was originally released in November 2016 and is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently.

Dr. H opens up about one of his favorite subjects: pets and the enormous rewards of the human-animal bond. Dr. Hallowell tells us why we should become pet parents and about the furry friends that have touched his life over the years.

Maggie Jackson is the author of "Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age." She joins Dr. Hallowell on Distraction this week to discuss a very real problem a growing number of us face: lack of focus.

For years, people thought the constant attention we give our smartphones, tablets, video games and computers might be negatively impacting our health. Now the science is in, and they're robbing us of our focus, memory, sleep and more, both in the short and long term.

Maggie gives us insights on how our modern world affects our health plus tips for keeping it under control.

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It’s the college of choice for students who learn differently. To schedule a campus visit, or to learn more visit http://www.lcdistraction.org.

Kristin Seymour knows firsthand how tough it is to be productive when you have ADHD. Not only does she have ADHD, but Kristin is the mom of two ADHD teens, and she's also an ADHD specialist. The advanced practice nurse returns to Distraction to share more of her "life hacks" along with some special advice for parents of ADHD kids. As Ned puts it, "Kristin has the knack, the understanding and natural empathy of one who has been there, of one who really burns to make sure others do not suffer the way she did."

Meet Kristin at the 2018 International Conference on ADHD in St. Louis, Missouri, November 8-12, 2018. It's the largest ADHD gathering of the year and is hosted by ADDA, ACO, and CHADD. For more info go to http://www.add.org.

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It’s the college of choice for students who learn differently. To schedule a campus visit, or to learn more visit http://www.lcdistraction.org.

In light of the recent news events in the United States, Dr. Hallowell reflects on the importance of connecting with those around you, even the ones with whom you disagree.

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently. To schedule a campus visit, or to learn more visit http://www.lcdistraction.org.

The 2018 International Conference on ADHD is November 8-12, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. It's the largest ADHD gathering of the year and is hosted by ADDA, ACO and CHADD. For more info go to http://www.add.org.

Kristin Seymour accomplishes more in one day than most do in a week! And she might be the only person we know that travels with a cooler and ice packs in her car... just in case! This busy ADHDer (and previous Distraction guest) joins Dr. Hallowell to share her very best ideas for getting things done. The Clinical Nurse Specialist also shares some encouraging stories about some of the kids and adults she's worked with to help accomplish their goals. Learn about incentives, buffers, prioritizing and more through the practical ideas and solutions Kristin offers up in this episode.

To learn more about Kristin or to get a copy of her book, The Fog Lifted, click HERE.

This episode is brought to you by RxBar. For 25% off your first order, visit http://www.RxBar.com/distraction and enter the promo code "distraction" at check-out.

Learn more about Landmark College in Putney, Vermont by clicking HERE.

You might have asked yourself at some point, "What do I want out of life?" But have you ever asked yourself what you'd be willing to sacrifice for your goals? Ned talks about drive and determination, and how to figure out what you really want. He thinks the secret to uncovering your greatness might lie in recognizing the recurring struggles in your life!

Dr. Hallowell answers questions about a variety of issues in this week's episode. A listener named Tracy inquires about genetic testing for ADHD medication, another asks about his "hyper response to stress," and Cooper called with a question about self-medicating with cannabis. Listen to Ned's thoughts on these questions and others that we received from our listeners in the Distraction community.

If you have a question that you'd like Dr. Hallowell to address in a future episode please call 844-55-CONNECT and leave us a message. Or, you can email your question to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

Dr. Hallowell shares his thoughts on the current state of ADHD with Distraction listeners. He is just finishing up his latest book with co-author, Dr. John Ratey, where they've coined a new name for the condition-- expanding its reach to include millions of people.

Kathy Kolbe is the world's leading authority on human instincts. She solved the riddle of how all people can be both equal and different in their creative efforts by identifying the nature of universal instincts that constitute individual modus operandi. Her groundbreaking work has enabled thousands to find careers that they not only love, but excel at as well.

Kolbe has been called Maslow’s successor because of her work in showing how the three parts of the mind (cognitive, affective and conative) impact the creative problem solving process. She is a prolific writer and bestselling author, and is currently the CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Kolbe Corp, a publishing and consulting company she started over 35 years ago.

Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD joins Dr. Hallowell to share her unique perspective and insights with college-bound students in this special episode sponsored by Landmark College. As Dr. H and Jessica both know college can present some unique challenges for those with ADHD!

Dr. Hallowell gives his spin on Stephen Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, with a similar list for those with ADHD. From doing what you're good at, to asking for advice, you're bound to find a few nuggets of applicable wisdom for your own life. But as Ned advises, this is his list, so if these habits don't resonate with you, add your own to the list!

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

Fight, Flight, Freeze... or Fib? Monica Hassall, RN, and Barbara Hunter, M.ED., join Dr. Hallowell for a discussion about the correlation between ADHD and lying (or fibbing as these women prefer to call it), and what's really going on inside your child's head when they don't tell the truth.

Courtney Wilson didn't follow a typical path to the military. After completing her undergrad studies as a creative writing major at Wellesley College, she joined the army and became an engineer. After serving for seven years, she left as a Captain and soon began working on her foundation, DropZone For Veterans, while going to school to get her MBA. Wilson's organization connects veterans and their families with curated resources so they can thrive, not just survive, after the military. Through a lot of hard work, she and her team have created a database of over 116,000 benefits, resources and opportunities; and have served over 10,000 veterans so far.

American Flag Football League (AFFL) founder Jeff Lewis never knew he had ADHD until he went to see a psychiatrist for another reason and was diagnosed with the condition in his early 50s. Although having undiagnosed ADHD never held him back (He graduated from Cornell and was a successful hedge fund manager.) Jeff's life and outlook went on an upswing after being diagnosed, as he details in this conversation with Ned.

Traditionally, when having a meal at a restaurant the waitstaff will serve women seated at the table first. That custom might be changing however, as the concept of gender neutral dining is gaining traction in eateries across the country. Hear Dr. Hallowell talk about embracing change, and how to deal when you don't like the changes taking place.

Much has changed in the world of ADHD since Dr. William Dodson began his career in the field 35 years ago. He spoke with Dr. Hallowell about the pioneering work he's done in the treatment of ADHD, the omnipotential of those with ADHD, and what he wishes your doctor knew about ADHD.

Dr. William Dodson specializes in the evaluation, treatment and support of adults and teens with attention deficits, learning problems, and related behavioral difficulties at his ADHD Center in Colorado.

How do we come up with new ideas? Can humans multi-task? Are we overusing our devices? Dr. Hallowell finds himself questioning his own beliefs about mutli-tasking and technology after spending the afternoon watching the Patriots football game with his sons.

"I've tried several meds to treat my ADHD but how do I know when good is good enough?" "How do you get past childhood trauma?" "How do I become an ADHD coach?" Dr. Hallowell is in the studio to answer these questions and more from Distraction listeners.

If you have a question for Dr. Hallowell please record it on your phone and email it to us! We would like to include more listener voices in these episodes! Email your recorded question to connect@distractionpodcast.com. Or, you can call us and leave your question as a voicemail by dialing 844-55-CONNECT.

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently. Learn more at LCDistraction.org.

We are so excited to be back for Season 3! Dr. Hallowell shares some details about what's been going on in his world and welcomes listeners back to a new season of Distraction. Hear about the latest project he's working on with Dr. John Ratey and the newest member of the Hallowell family!

Reach out to us at connect@distractionpodcast.com, or call and leave us your thoughts in a message at 844-55-CONNECT! We look forward to hearing from you!

Distraction is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. Learn more at lcdistraction.org.

Cassandra Bankson got her first pimple in third grade and by middle school was relentlessly bullied because of her sever acne, even becoming suicidal at one point. As an adult Cassandra found a way to turn her struggles into a passion for helping others, as she tells Ned in this open and often emotional conversation.

Cassandra is a successful model and You Tube star who has learned that "absolutely ANYTHING is possible if your mind and heart is in it. I'm here to share my struggles and successes while following my dream of helping others rediscover and reach their fullest potential," she has said. Bankson also happens to have ADHD. She posts science-based skincare videos and healthy living content created to educate and entertain on her You Tube channel where her videos have been viewed millions of times.

The hustle and bustle of modern life conspires to make many of us feel like we have ADHD, even when we don't. Dr. Hallowell talks about ways to deal with the daily distractions that leave us feeling frantic, forgetful and frustrated, and how to get back to your cool, calm and collected self!

U-S-A! U-S-A! We've got Olympic fever this week as 3-time Olympic gymnast and gold medal winner, Muriel Grossfeld, talks about what it takes to be an elite-level athlete; and Ned speaks with the author of The ADHD Affected Athlete about how ADHD actually helps people excel in certain sports. Just look at Michael Phelps!

Alan Meckler is an internet pioneer and former CEO of Mediabistro who has found incredible success in life despite having dyslexia. In fact, he didn't even realize he had the condition until somewhat recently. Ned and he chat about the unusual way Meckler was diagnosed and how dyslexia has actually helped him prosper.

The two icons of Mindfulness and Meditation on the same podcast. They’ll help you gain control. Mindfulness pioneer Jon Kabat-Zinn and Herb Benson, who got the world talking about meditation with his book, The Relaxation Response, join Ned for an inspiring conversation. And hear from a guy who created an app to help you on your way.

What do you do to stay in the moment? Send your thoughts and questions to connect@distractionpodcast.com and you might be included in a future episode!

Looking to add another podcast to your listening list? Check out our sister podcast, Just the Right Book with Roxanne Coady! This week Roxanne speaks with the late John McCain's writing partner, Mark Salter, about McCain's legacy, presidential run and his vision for America.

Dr. Ross Greene believes that whether you're a parent or teacher with a behaviorally challenging child or not, collaboration is the key to solving problems, improving relationships and better communication.

Dr. Greene spoke with Ned about the unique model he's developed for finding proactive solutions to behavior problems and ensuring that kids everywhere are treated in ways that are compassionate, informed, and effective.

Some days can be harder than others to cross things off your to-do list. That's why you need a plan! Learn how to stay on track with Dr. Hallowell's simple model for self-coaching. Regardless of whether you have ADHD or not, this easy-to-follow guide will keep you on task and moving forward toward your goals.

Scientists have discovered that there is a specific type of music for your personality type that can put your brain into a "flow state," making you hyperfocused. In this episode Dr. Hallowell speaks with Will Henshall, founder of focus@will, a company that is scientifically engineering music that has been proven to increase focus 4x and optimize your productivity, to find out how it works and why.

If you'd like to take the focus@will quiz to find out what your focus music is and get a free, 2-week trial, click HERE.

Save yourself some stress and do a little homework before the new year starts. Dr. Hallowell offers up ideas you can implement now to help make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your kids! And if the new school year is already underway where you live, these tips can still help you establish routines and get organized.

Whether your child has ADHD or not, most can use a little help with the changes and adjustments that going back-to-school requires. This episode is chock full of advice on how to set students up for success during the first few weeks of school and onward.

In the first half of the episode Dr. Hallowell speaks with ADHD parent coach, Cindy Goldrich, about parenting the child you have, and ways to get all kids back into the swing of things. They talk about goal setting, not just for the kids, but for the parents too!

In the second half of the show, we have two teachers (one high school teacher and one elementary school teacher) in the studio who share their thoughts on what specifically kids can do to start the school year off right. We suggest listening to this episode all together, as a family!

Kristin Seymour overcame many obstacles on the way to accomplishing her goals. She stole a car as an undergraduate college student and tested her parent's patience on many occasions before being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 19. She is now a successful Advanced Practice Nurse and wrote The Fog Lifted about her journey. She joined Dr. Hallowell in the studio to talk about the ups and downs of her life, and how she came to realize that having ADHD is one of her biggest assets. In fact, in this episode Kristin tells the story of how she once saved a man's life on an airplane thanks to her ADHD strengths!

Ned goes back to East Rock Coffee, the no-electronics café, where he connects with David Reed, who received his PhD at the University of Toronto in New Testament Studies, and is a post-doc at Yale in Religious Studies. A serious, yet sometimes lighthearted conversation ensues about the history of sex in early Christianity.

What can we do to combat chronic stress and over-stimulation we face every day? Ned explores – and gives listeners a chance to participate in -- a meditative form of Yoga called Yoga Nidra that carries great health benefits and helps anyone who has challenges staying focused, such as people with ADHD.

Feelings of irritation, disorganization and procrastination can throw your life out of balance, but they often go hand in hand with an ADHD diagnosis. In this mini, Dr. Hallowell chats with fellow ADHDer James Ochoa, LPC, about his life's work to help others resolve their issues, tap into their passion and strengths, and realize their full potential by creating personalized strategies for success.

Dr. Hallowell sat down with his wife Sue for a heartwarming conversation about his own ADHD and their marriage. Sue doesn't hold back and gives listeners a clear picture of what it's like to be the only one in their house without ADHD. (Their 3 kids also have ADHD!) She shares her insights and tips for living with and loving someone who has ADHD.

Our minds can easily be overrun these days with interruptions, obligations and general clutter. In this mini, Dr. Hallowell offers five quick tips for weeding out your mind and quieting all that noise.

This episode was originally released in November 2016.

We're gearing up for season 3 and looking for episode ideas! Do you have a show topic that you think we should explore? Email your ideas to connect@distractionpodcast.com or leave us a message at 844-55-CONNECT.

Remember to subscribe to Distraction on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen so you don't miss an episode!

You can't tell kids with learning differences to "try harder," said Dr. Hallowell, when he spoke live to educators at the New York State Association of Independent Schools' conference back in 2016. Dr. Hallowell discusses the history of learning differences and treatments, and offers some new solutions to help teach students with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and other neurologically-based processing problems.

What does music do for us? Dr. Dan Levitin and Ned talk about how our brains interpret music, why we find it so captivating, and what all those piano lessons really did for us when we were younger.

Dr. Levitin is a neuroscientist and top researcher into how our brains interpret music. He is the author of several #1 best-selling books including, This is Your Brain on Music, and his latest, The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload.

ADHD superstar Jessica McCabe joined Dr. Hallowell on Distraction for the first time nearly a year ago! Listen back to her inaugural appearance on the podcast in July 2017 where she spoke with Ned about having ADHD and the unique struggles millennials with ADHD face in our crazy-busy 24/7 world.

For our last episode of Season 2 Dr. Hallowell shares some of his summer plans (which include getting a new family member!) and well-wishes for listeners during this fun and relaxing time of year. We'll be back in August with brand new episodes for the start of Season 3! Thank you so much for being a part of the Distraction community. We truly appreciate each of you!

Please subscribe to Distraction on Apple Podcasts to be sure you hear every episode!

Jose Del Cueto went from being an abused child, a drug-dealing teenager and then addict, to a loving family man and successful marketing executive. His memoir, Broken Like Everybody Else, details how he emerged from the depths of adversity to become the successful entrepreneur and person he is today, while still struggling with trauma-induced learning disabilities such as ADHD and Dyslexia. Jose and Dr. Hallowell talk about growing up amidst chaos and their new plan to help kids currently in the foster care system beat the odds.

"Life is messy," Dr. Hallowell says in this mini Distraction. "Let's not be phony or drive people into hiding with the terrible constrictions of shame," he goes on to say. Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade have put suicide back into the national spotlight, but Dr. Hallowell has long been on a mission to end the stigma of mental illness. He shares his thoughts on celebrating human life in all its forms, the good and the bad, and getting people the help they desperately need.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with someone, or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org where online chats are available 24/7.

Dr. Hallowell is on a mission to remove the stigma of mental illness. One of the ways he's doing that is through his new memoir, just released today. Because I Come From A Crazy Family The Making Of A Psychiatrist is the true story of Ned's life and all of the people in it. Collision Media's own Barry Berman sits down with our favorite host for a conversation about Dr. Hallowell's unusual childhood, and how his early-life experiences shaped his entire future.

While some ordinary activities require people to engage in critical and creative thinking, advancements in technology have created a world in which many tasks no longer require this type of thinking. This absence is leaving many people ill-equipped to manage the critical and creative thinking challenges in both the workplace and life in general. Educators Louise Loomis and Tom Smith join Ned in-studio for a conversation about The Cognitive Six thinking skills and the essential role they play in meeting this challenge.

"I found my voice. Turns out it was there all along," says author and certified coach Amy E. Smith. She joins Dr. Hallowell for a lively conversation about staying true to yourself and finding confidence, two issues that many people find challenging. In fact, Dr. H asks Amy for advice about a personal situation in his own life that he is struggling with!

To learn more from Amy, or to get a copy of her e-workbook that includes 9 proven challenges to radically increase your self confidence and self-love visit her website: TheJoyJunkie.com.

Liz Ryan, former Fortune 500 Human Resources SVP and the world's most widely-read career adviser, returns to Distraction for a conversation about toxic work environments and what to do if you're in one.

To learn more from Liz or to get a copy of her book, Reinvention Roadmap, visit her website, Human Workplace.

THANK YOU! We're so grateful and thankful for our listeners who helped us reach 1,000,000 episode downloads! Dr. Hallowell shares a personal message of thanks and reminisces about some of his favorite moments and guests over the past couple of years. To celebrate this AMAZING milestone, we're giving away 3 copies of Ned's new memoir, Because I Come From A Crazy Family, The Making Of A Psychiatrist, as well as one 30-minute phone call with Dr. Hallowell! Listen to the episode for details on how to enter.

Also, Dr. H answers several questions from listeners on a variety of topics including hypo/hyper-activity, ADD and OCD correlations, "Ritalin kids," social media and screen time, social stigmas, sleep habits, managing work life, and medication.

While you might not be able to avoid jet lag completely when you travel, it is possible to minimize the symptoms. And although he travels extensively, even Dr. Hallowell struggles with the effects of jet lag as you'll hear him admit! Learn about a variety of ways to help you feel like yourself and get your internal clock back on track when you visit different time zones in this mini Distraction.

How do you deal with jet lag? Share your best tips with us by emailing connect@distractionpodcast.com, or leave us a voice message by calling 844-55-CONNECT!

Prioritizing, organizing and time management are fundamental skills that everyone should have, but unfortunately many never learn. Self-described school junkie and founder of SchoolHabits.com, Katie Azevedo, joins Dr. Hallowell to share some habits and hacks to help get you through school, work, and life in general. The conversation includes an in-depth discussion of The Pomodoro Technique, a time management system that was developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980's that everyone can benefit from, not just those with ADHD!

In honor of Mother's Day, Dr. Hallowell shares a heartwarming story from his childhood about going to a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park with his Mother when he was 10 years old. Dr. Hallowell learned a lesson from his Mom that day that he still carries with him today.

What life lessons have you learned from your parents? We'd love to hear about them. Send us an email at connect@distractionpodcast.com, or leave us a voice message by calling 844-55-CONNECT.

The new-millennium workplace requires all of us to rewrite the rules and start treating our careers like we’re running a business—which means understanding the markets for our talents, knowing our value, and looking out over the horizon to plot our paths going forward, according to Human Resources pro, Liz Ryan, author of Reinvention Roadmap, and CEO of Human Workplace. Liz is a former Fortune 500 HR SVP and the world’s most widely read workplace thought leader. The former opera singer-turned-HR exec talks with Ned about how to flourish at work, when it's okay to say no, and how to make sure you find the right job in the first place.

Who do you think wiggles their toes to help wake themselves up, Dr. Hallowell or Jessica McCabe? In this special episode sponsored by Landmark College, the How to ADHD creator joins Ned for a discussion about some of the unique methods she uses to motivate, encourage and help herself. Plus she and Ned share a slew of tricks other people use to jump start their own brains.

Do you have any ADHD tricks up your sleeve? How do you manage your ADHD symptoms? Let us know in an email! Send your thoughts to connect@distractionpodcast.com. Or leave us a voice message by calling 844-55-CONNECT.

To schedule a campus visit, or simply to learn more about our sponsor, Landmark College in Putney, Vermont, visit http://www.lcdistraction.org.

A few recent conversations with friends has Dr. Hallowell thinking about how the world has changed in his lifetime, and whether or not it's for the better. He ponders questions like: Do we still have standards in society? Are millennials lazy? Is social media to blame for all of our problems? And, has the world gone to hell in a bucket?

As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus put it so many years ago, "the only thing that is constant is change."

Finding employment can be very difficult when you are someone who learns differently. Inventive Labs in Amesbury, MA is on a mission to change that! Founder Rick Fiery joins Dr. Hallowell to talk about the new intern program his organization has started that is specifically geared to those with ADHD and other learning challenges. Rick and his co-founder, Tom Bergeron (no, not the famous one!) believe that given the right supports and training, these learners can do anything and find a job that they love. Inventive Labs is currently looking for intern candidates for this program, so if you know someone who might be interested, encourage them to check out the Inventive Labs website for more information.

If you're the owner of a business that would be interested in learning more about Inventive Lab's intern program for your business, please check out their website as well!

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. CLICK HERE to learn more!

Patrick Reed recently won the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia and there's controversy surrounding the 2018 champion's use of the medication Vyvanse to treat his ADHD. In this mini Distraction, Dr. Hallowell weighs in with his thoughts on the debate.

And while on the subject of pro golfers with ADHD, Dr. Hallowell also makes a plea to Bubba Watson to get in touch with him so he can offer some strategies for dealing with his ADHD, as it is widely known that Bubba does not take medication to treat his symptoms.

If you're not following Distraction on facebook you're missing out on opportunities to ask Dr. Hallowell your questions! A few weeks ago we hosted a live facebook event where Dr. Hallowell was asked about everything from ADHD symptoms, meds, and diagnoses to finding a path to success, dealing with anxiety, disciplining your ADHD child and more. So many questions in fact, that we couldn't get to them all! Dr. Hallowell was joined in the studio by George from our marketing department and our producer, Sarah. Take a listen to this unique episode and please "like" Distraction on facebook (if you haven't already!) so you can have the chance to ask your questions during our next facebook live event!

Sex, drugs, trust, medications, alcohol, and accommodations are just some of the topics discussed in this conversation that's all about the big issues young people with ADHD and their parents face in today's world. Dr. Hallowell is joined by psychologist Christina Nichols and executive function specialist Elliot Weinstein, who both work in his office, and at the Horace Mann School in New York City as well. Christina and Elliot bring a boatload of experience to the discussion along with real questions from young adults looking for help.

Learn more about Landmark College in Putney, Vermont by CLICKING HERE.

Ever wondered what is going through your therapist's mind while you're talking? This episode is especially for you! Kati Morton is a licensed therapist in California who has garnered over 300,000 followers on social media through her weekly mental health videos. Kati's videos address eating disorders, abandonment, narcissists, perfection, depression and many more. She has made thousands of helpful videos on all kinds of topics and joins Dr. Hallowell on Distraction to talk about mental health in general and what it's really like to be a therapist.

Dumpster fire, glamping, and schnoodle are three of the 850 words that were recently added to the dictionary. Our producer, Sarah Guertin, sits down with Dr. Hallowell to find out what he thinks some of the new words in Merriam-Webster's latest edition mean. Follow along and see how many words you know!

Kristin Seymour accomplishes more in one day than most do in a week! And she might be the only person we know that travels with a cooler and ice packs in her car... just in case! This busy ADHDer (and previous Distraction guest) joins Dr. Hallowell to share her very best ideas for getting things done. The Clinical Nurse Specialist also shares some encouraging stories about some of the kids and adults she's worked with to help accomplish their goals. Learn about incentives, buffers, prioritizing and more through the practical ideas and solutions Kristin offers up in this episode.

To learn more about Kristin or to get a copy of her book, The Fog Lifted, click HERE.

Learn more about Landmark College in Putney, Vermont by clicking HERE.

Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD joins Dr. Hallowell once again for a special episode brought to you by our sponsor, Landmark College, in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently! In this episode, Jessica shares strategies and ideas for creating accountability in your life. She and Ned talk about having an accountability partner, setting goals, incentives, creating brain bumpers and a ton more. If you know a student (or anyone really!) struggling with accountability and getting things done, share this episode with them!

Do you know how much time you spend on your phone each day? What about each week? In his book, Driven to Distraction at Work, Dr. Hallowell devotes an entire chapter to the problem of "screen-sucking," where he emphasizes the need to learn how to control your electronics so they don't control you. And in this mini he talks about why you should take a look at your screen habits and assess the results. Dr. Hallowell gives detailed instructions on how you can track your phone usage to learn not just how much time you spend on your phone, but specifically which apps and features consume your attention the most.

Check out our sponsor, Landmark College, in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently.

Reach out to us! Did you track your phone usage after listening to this episode? Did the results surprise you? Let us know your thoughts! Email connect@distractionpodcast.com or call and leave a message at 844-55-CONNECT.

Did you know that medications are now being used to help treat alcohol abuse? Advancing science has always changed the way doctors treat mental health issues in their patients and today is no different. Dr. Timothy Wilens is the Chief of Child Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital joins Dr. Hallowell to talk about the current state of treatment options for issues like ADHD, substance use disorders, and anxiety. Dr. Wilens offers lots of advice for parents and talks about the latest medicines he employs to help his patients.

To get a copy of Dr. Wilen's book, Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medications For KidsCLICK HERE.

This episode is sponsored by Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. To schedule a campus tour CLICK HERE.

"Every era gets the drug it deserves. In America today, where competition is ceaseless from school to the workforce and everyone wants a performance edge, Adderall and other prescription stimulants are the defining drugs of this generation." That's the way IMDB.com describes the new documentary produced by Maria Shriver and her daughter Christina Schwarzenegger. Unfortunately, anecdotal evidence is used more than scientific evidence in the film, which could do more harm than good for those with ADHD. Listen as Dr. Hallowell shares his thoughts on how this well-meaning documentary goes off course.

As thousands of students protested against gun violence last week and more prepare to march in Washington, D.C. and across the United States this weekend, Dr. Hallowell can't help but wonder if the adults in America are getting the message. Listen as he takes a few moments to call attention to our nation's youth, and their inspiring words and actions.

There's a new way people are getting relief from anxiety, insomnia, depression and pain that doesn't require taking a pill. It's called Alpha-Stim and Dr. Hallowell has seen promising results with his patients who've tried it. Listen and learn about this non-invasive treatment that provides quick and safe relief of symptoms without medication.

Dr. Hallowell addresses some of the most recent questions we've received from our listeners. Topics discussed include medication issues, anger and alcohol, workplace accommodations, and how ADHD is viewed in Ireland and other countries around the world.

We'd like to send a big thank you to those listeners who sent in questions for this episode! If you have a question that you'd like addressed in a future show, email it to connect@distractionpodcast.com or call 844-55-CONNECT and leave us a message!

Learn more about our sponsor, Landmark College, the college of choice for students who learn differently!

A recent New York Times article about the gender pay gap got Dr. Hallowell thinking about his own personality traits and wondering if he would be richer, more well-known and more successful if he were less agreeable in life. Ultimately, Dr. H wouldn't change who he is and instead suggests, "Take stock of who you are naturally and try to look kindly on that." Listen to his words of wisdom and think about the good ways you apply yourself every day.

Benjamin Hardy believes people can change in both big and small ways, but not how they've traditionally been taught. He thinks that "you are who you are because of your environment." If you want to change, Ben says, you need to change your environment. Listen as he talks about why this is true, how people always learn to adapt, even in the worst environments, and his new book that was just released today, Willpower Doesn't Work: Discover the Hidden Keys to Success.

Dr. Hallowell's 20th book, Because I Come From A Crazy Family: The Making Of A Psychiatrist, will be released this June. It's unlike any book he's written before, because this one tells the story of his own upbringing. It was a childhood that was filled with trauma, but lots of love and laughter too. Listen as Dr. Hallowell reads a few passages from his soon-to-be-released memoir.

Master storyteller Brad Meltzer has been a published writer for 20 years. In that time he's come to realize that, "Every life makes history. Every life is a story." In this very special episode the bestselling thriller and mystery writer talks about how he persisted even after receiving 24 rejections letters for his first book, and why he believes that ordinary people can change the world.

Jessica McCabe has researched the best ways to take care of your brain and this week she shares her insights with Distraction listeners. In this special episode sponsored by Landmark College, the How to ADHD host talks with Dr. Hallowell about all of the different things you should be doing to ensure your body and mind are at peak performance.

And as Jessica says in this episode, don't beat yourself up if you're not doing all the things you should be doing. A good way to start moving toward self-care is to track your activities and symptoms and start with one small change. Take a listen to this special episode for more about this and other great ideas from the YouTube star!

In the wake of yet another school shooting, Dr. Hallowell shares his thoughts on the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the epidemic of disconnection in our world; and offers some heartfelt ideas on ways we can each affect change.

Dr. Hallowell opens up about following his own advice and trying something new, a recommendation he regularly makes to patients. In his case, the "something new" is learning how to use Facebook live. And as Dr. Hallowell reveals in this mini episode, he's definitely hit a few bumps along the way! Listen as he talks about why it's important (and good for you) to try new things, even when they're hard.

Important Link:

Landmark College - Learn more about the college for students who learn differently!

Women and girls with ADHD face a number of unique issues in dealing with their "race car brains." In this episode Terry Matlen, ACSW, who specializes in helping women with ADHD, joins Dr. Hallowell to answer questions from our female listeners. Topics include pregnancy and medication, hormones, exercise, toxic relationships, social isolation and much more.

A special thank you to our listeners who sent in questions for this episode! If you have a question or show idea please send it to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

Important Links:

Landmark College - Learn more about the college for students who learn differently!

It should come as no surprise to Distraction listeners that Dr. Hallowell is pretty bummed the Patriots lost the Super Bowl on Sunday. But what can you do about those bad feelings? In this mini, Dr. Hallowell shares some of the ways he deals with disappointment, as he mulls the loss of a 6th championship for his favorite football team.

If by Rudyard Kipling

IF you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating, And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master; If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss; If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, ' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

"Wait, what did you say your name was?" From our phones and TVs, to email notifications, traffic and crowded restaurants, our minds are constantly bombarded with noise. It's no wonder people are having trouble trying to listen and comprehend. And sure, we've all been guilty of not listening when someone is talking, but poor listening skills can be improved! Speech and language pathologist, Rebecca Shafir, joins Ned to talk about her book (now in its 8th printing!) The Zen of Listening: Mindful Communication in the Age of Distraction. Rebecca's insights will help you become a better listener and better overall communicator by the end of the episode!

Whether you're all geared up for the big football game this weekend or couldn't care less about it, Super Bowl hype is hard to avoid! In this week's lighthearted mini, Dr. H lets listeners in on his plans for game day (including where to get the best hot wings in the Boston area) and shares some personal stories about what the big event means to him.

Whether it's a notification on your phone, a new email, a chatty co-worker or a really good tv show, distractions are all around us. So how do you get stuff done amid a sea of interruptions? Jessica McCabe of How to ADHD joins Dr. Hallowell to offer up solutions for minimizing distractions and accomplishing whatever is on your to-do list.

College capable students with ADHD require a different approach to learning to succeed academically. At Landmark College we help our students to explore and employ new learning strategies by teaching differently. We hold high expectations for our students, and encourage independence while also providing academic and social support. Learn more about Landmark College.

For years Dr. Eben Alexander dismissed the near-death revelations of God and heaven by his patients. But his opinion changed when the Harvard neurosurgeon spent 7 days in a coma due to E. coli meningitis. While comatose, he went on a profound spiritual experience that in his words, "took me beyond space and time to what seemed like the origin of all existence."

In this very unique episode of Distraction, Dr. Alexander talks with Dr. Hallowell about his experience, the books he's written as a result, and the reaction he's received from the scientific community. The conversation goes on a deep dive into many of the spiritual and scientific aspects of his journey.

Is life feeling a little too hectic these days? Then it's time to un-busy yourself. Dr. Hallowell outlines three easy ways to feel less busy and regain control of your day, in this mini that was inspired by a recent article from DailyGood.org.

Dr. Hallowell opens up the Distraction inbox to answer listener questions this week. Topics addressed include stimulants and hypertension, sleep and stress, depression and anxiety, and the effectiveness of low energy neurofeedback system therapy for treating ADHD.

Do you have a question that you'd like Dr. Hallowell to address in a future episode? Write it down, or record your question as a voice memo on your phone and email it to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

We've all been upset, disappointed, discouraged and/or let down in life, but allowing your mind to agonize over problems or failures won't help the situation or make you feel better. In fact, it does the opposite! In this mini, Dr. Hallowell offers advice on how to stop the cycle of negative thoughts and move forward.

Do you know someone who learns differently and is college bound? Tell them about our sponsor, Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. It's the college of choice for students who learn differently!

What do boys need that they're not getting? Dr. Michael Thompson joins Dr. Hallowell to talk about where boys stand in today's world versus girls. Dr. Thompson is best known as a NY Times bestselling author and international speaker on the subject of children, schools and parenting who has written nine books focusing on the emotional lives of boys, friendships and social cruelty in childhood and many more topics related to the subject of raising boys.

If you're the boss, do you tell your employees that you have ADHD? Dr. Hallowell responds to a question from a listener that is struggling in his leadership position. Should he tell his employees that he has ADHD so they'll better understand his challenges or not?

Do you have a question for Dr. Hallowell? Record your question on your phone as a voice memo and email it to connect@distractionpodcast.com. We'd love to hear from you!

Please rate and review Distraction on Apple Podcasts. It helps others to find the show and helps us grow our community!

Learn more about our sponsor, Landmark College, the college of choice for students who learn differently.

16-year old Harry Nardini has always been a bright, outgoing, fun loving person, despite the tragic circumstances of his less-than-ideal start in life. From being homeless to being a quarterback and part of the Missouri state high school football championship team, Harry has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Listen as he sits down with Dr. Hallowell, along with his mom, to tell his story of how his life was changed dramatically by having the right people in his life and the right treatment for his ADHD.

Do you know someone who learns differently? Tell them about our sponsor, Landmark College!

What do you do when your 7-year-old's teacher says that it seems like your child needs a special invitation to everything? In this week's mini Dr. Hallowell addresses a question regarding one listener's son and his ADHD, and how it relates to his behavior in school.

Gabby Bernstein is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Universe Has Your Back, an international speaker, and a self-proclaimed spirit junkie who has made it her life's mission to empower people to gain more confidence and live their purpose. She joins Dr. Hallowell on Distraction to talk about her latest book, Judgment Detox, a clear, proactive, step-by-step guide that helps people heal judgment and discover their oneness with others.

If you like this episode, please rate and review Distraction on Apple Podcasts! It helps other listeners find our show. If you have a question, comment, or show idea please email it to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

Learn more about our sponsor, Landmark College, the college of choice for students who learn differently.

In the midst of holiday gatherings, errands and mayhem it can be easy to forget the point of it all. In this special holiday mini, Ned muses about how to make this time of year special and meaningful in spite of the chaos.

Do you know someone who learns differently? Tell them about our sponsor, Landmark College, the college of choice for students who learn differently.

Are you task driven or deadline driven? Modern research has shown that procrastination does not interfere with success, and that procrastinators and non-procrastinators simply respond to motivation in different ways. In this episode, Dr. Hallowell and Mary Lamia, PhD discuss how emotions compel us to act, and how shame and fear aren't necessarily a bad thing.

Dr. Hallowell responds to a listener question we received recently about ADHD coaches for kids. We think the self-proclaimed "disorganized parent" who reached out will be surprised to hear Ned's answer!

Dr. Hallowell considers it a happy accident that he happened to attend a lecture given by third-grade teachers Darrah Parsons and Becky Kline. The talk focused on their experiences teaching young girls about Carol Dweck's groundbreaking findings regarding ability and achievement in life. In this episode, Darrah and Becky join Dr. Hallowell to talk about the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and why productive struggle is a really good thing. If you want to do more and be more in life, this episode is here to show you that you can! It's never too late to change your mindset, achieve your goals and find success.

How old is too old to be diagnosed with ADHD? We recently received a question from a person who suspects his parents have ADHD. They are 82 and 84, and the listener is wondering if there are successful examples of elderly people being diagnosed with and treated for ADHD. In this mini Dr. Hallowell relates the story of the oldest patient he's ever treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the surprising accomplishment his patient achieved as a result of his diagnosis!

Know a student who learns differently? Landmark College might be the place for them! Learn more about our sponsor by clicking HERE.

Understood.org is a non-profit organization focused on helping parents whose children, ages 3-20, struggle with learning and attention issues. Dr. Hallowell spoke with Kevin Hager, Managing Director of Understood, and Amanda Morin, Content Development Manager for the organization about all of the resources available on their website and what kind of help they can offer parents of children who learn differently. From ADHD to dyslexia, dyspraxia, executive function issues, nonverbal learning issues, organization struggles and much, much more Understood is an invaluable, free resource with videos, articles and research all tailored to your child's age, gender and issues. Listen to this informative episode and then check out all of the information at your fingertips on this wonderful website.

To learn more about our sponsor, Landmark College, the school of choice for students who learn differently, click HERE.

Finally there's proof that if you think you can do something, or think you can't, you're right! In this mini Distraction Dr. Hallowell talks about the "Growth Mindset" that was originally discovered by Carol Dweck, the Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, and what that means for all of us. He talks about the difference between a "growth mindset" and a "fixed mindset" and why we should all be training our brains to think that our talents can be developed, rather than believing they're just innate gifts.

Students of all ages can have issues dealing with the stress and anxiety of their workload, whether they're in elementary school, high school, college or beyond. But there is help for those who feel overwhelmed! Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD joins Dr. Hallowell to share some tips and ideas on how to manage those feelings when they arrive, and how to avoid feeling overwhelmed altogether! This special episode is sponsored by Landmark College, with content support from Professor Rebecca Matte.

College capable students with ADHD require a different approach to learning to succeed academically. At Landmark College we help our students to explore and employ new learning strategies by teaching differently. We hold high expectations for our students, and encourage independence while also providing academic and social support. Learn more about Landmark College.

How can I find my tribe and/or what I'm good at? What are some alternatives to medication for my child? How do we re-frame the conversation so prevention is the treatment?

In this episode Dr. Hallowell takes some time to address a few of the questions he's received recently from listeners. If you have a question for Dr. Hallowell or the Distraction team please send an email to connect@distractionpodcast.com. We especially love it when our listeners record their question on their phone and email it to us as an audio file!! Or if you prefer, you can leave your question in a voice mail by calling 844-55-CONNECT. Please be sure to speak clearly and leave your name and phone number in case we need to reach out to you!

Peter Shankman is a well known entrepreneur, author and host of the highly popular podcast, Faster than Normal. As you'll hear in this episode, Peter truly is faster than normal, as he talks faster than anyone we've had on the show thus far! But for good reason-- he's got a ton to say about the positive side of ADHD!

He recently called in to Distraction to share a few stories with Dr. Hallowell, including the unbelievable tale of how he wrote his bestselling book Zombie Loyalists. It's a highly unusual story that underscores the belief that people with ADHD can and should develop their own way of doing things. If you'd like to contact Peter, send an email to peter@shankman.com.

What's your life story? Dr. Hallowell is about to share his with the world! His 20th book comes out this spring and it's unlike any other he's written. In this mini he shares a few stories about some of the people and places in his new memoir, and encourages listeners to write a book about their own lives, even if it never gets published. Listen to this episode to find out why Dr. Hallowell thinks it's important to write your story and what you might learn along the way.

Learn more about our sponsor Landmark College. The college of choice for students who learn differently.

At 23, Andrew Forsthoefel headed out the back door of his home in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. He had with him only a backpack, an audio recorder, and a sign that read "Walking to Listen." He had just graduated from Middlebury College and was ready to begin his adult life, but he didn't know how. So he decided to take a cross-country quest for guidance, one where everyone he met would be his guide. In this episode Andrew shares with Dr. Hallowell the lessons he learned through the power of connection and what he's up to today.

Thanks for listening to this week's episode of Distraction featuring Andrew Forsthoefel and his remarkable book, "Walking to Listen." Also, please do learn more about our incredible sponsor Landmark College, the school of choice for students who learn differently. Groundbreaking research has been done there for such disabilities as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.

If you've ever ignored someone in a social situation by busying yourself with a phone or other mobile device than you are guilty of phubbing. In this mini Dr. Hallowell gets fired up talking about why phubbing is bad for relationships and why this shouldn't be news to anyone.

It's not hard to imagine someone being diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, PLMD, depression or bipolar disorder. But imagine being diagnosed with ALL of those conditions? That's the reality for one U.S. veteran who recently reached out to Distraction looking for help. In this episode he opened up to Dr. Hallowell about his struggles and looks for advice on how to move forward in his life.

Dr. Hallowell answers two listener questions in this week's mini Distraction. One asks about staying focused in church, and the other is looking for ideas on how to turn off unwanted thoughts. Dr. Hallowell makes suggestions to both listeners and offers a simple trick (that works really well) for turning off those unwanted thoughts.

Learn more about our sponsor Landmark College, one of the only accredited colleges in the United States designed exclusively for students who learn differently; including students with learning disabilities (like dyslexia), ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.

The first step on the path to an ADHD diagnosis is sitting down with a qualified professional to learn your history. In this episode a listener who suspects he has ADHD joins Dr. Hallowell in the Distraction studio with his fiancee to talk about his life's story. It's the first step for this listener on the journey to discovering if he has ADHD.

Do you know someone who struggles with schoolwork and studying? Jessica McCabe from How to ADHD joins Ned to share study tips for students who learn differently in this special episode sponsored by Landmark College.

College capable students with ADHD require a different approach to learning to succeed academically. At Landmark College we help our students to explore and employ new learning strategies by teaching differently. We hold high expectations for our students, and encourage independence while also providing academic and social support. Learn more about Landmark College.

Are you always on the look out for the next disaster? Dr. Hallowell talks about the overwhelming vulnerable feelings that can go hand-in-hand with ADHD and offers ways to reduce and regulate those less-than-happy thoughts.

Remember to subscribe to Distraction on Apple Podcasts so you don't miss an episode!

It's very common for someone with ADHD to also have trouble managing their finances. In this special Distraction episode, Dr. Hallowell is joined in the studio by his son Jack, a financial planner who also has ADHD, to talk about the unique problems ADHDers have managing their money and what can be done about it.

Listener Christine reached out with a question about rejection and her need for others' approval. Listen as Dr. Hallowell talks about why people with ADHD tend to be highly sensitive and why it's okay!

Do you have a question for Dr. Hallowell? Send us an email or, record your question on your phone and send a voice memo to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no definitive test for ADHD. So how do you know if you have it? Dr. Hallowell tells listeners about the various steps and processes people go through to determine whether or not they have ADHD.

Do you like what you're hearing? Please rate and review Distraction on Apple Podcasts!

Award-winning journalist Lisa Ling opens up to Dr. Hallowell about her ADHD diagnosis, and the issues she's struggled with since childhood. She talks about the unique challenges of being a minority with ADHD, and how her ADHD strengths have helped make her who she is today.

Ling was formerly a co-host of ABC Daytime's hit show "The View," a field correspondent for "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and contributor to ABC News' "Nightline" and National Geographic's "Explorer." Currently, you can catch Lisa in the CNN Original Series, "This is Life with Lisa Ling," which began its fourth season earlier this month.

How can students with ADHD find success in college? Learn more about our sponsor Landmark College.

A listener named Ann reached out to ask Dr. Hallowell if it's a good idea for a high school senior with ADHD to go to a college far from home. As Dr. H explains in this mini Distraction, it's not so much about where you go, but rather what kind of support you have once you get there.

It's a common issue in couples where one person has ADHD for the other person to feel like their partner is not carrying their weight or fulfilling responsibilities in the relationship. Dr. Hallowell talks about why this happens and offers suggestions for solving the problem. Here's a hint-- empathy is key!

Marriage is never easy, but it's even harder when one or both partners have ADHD! Meygan and Casey Caston say they are the least likely couple to succeed in marriage. Not only does Casey have ADHD, but between them their parents have been married a dozen times, so instability was a theme in their youth. They've had their share of screaming matches, name calling and threatening divorce, but luckily discovered tools and resources to help them become better spouses, as they now have a loving and thriving relationship. And they're helping thousands of other couples achieve the same results!

Do you have trouble staying focused at work? In this bonus mini episode Dr. Hallowell answers a question from listener, Ashley, a 19-year-old woman diagnosed with ADHD in the 4th grade, who struggles with distractions and staying focused in her job as a director at a fast food restaurant.

Kristin Seymour overcame many obstacles on the way to accomplishing her goals. She stole a car as an undergraduate college student and tested her parent's patience on many occasions before being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 19. She is now a successful Advanced Practice Nurse and wrote The Fog Lifted about her journey. She joined Dr. Hallowell in the studio to talk about the ups and downs of her life, and how she came to realize that having ADHD is one of her biggest assets. In fact, in this episode Kristin tells the story of how she once saved a man's life on an airplane thanks to her ADHD strengths!

Dr. Hallowell responds to a question from a listener named, Eddie, a 31 year old man who has been aware of his ADHD since age 16. Eddie was dismissed by his psychiatrist saying that he could not possibly have ADHD, based on his prior work experience. He reached out to Distraction for advice and Dr. Hallowell has plenty to say, as you'll hear in this mini episode!

The Distraction team is busy getting ready for ADHD Awareness Month in October! Listen as Ned outlines some of the exciting things we have planned including tons of interesting guests, new ADHD content, a live facebook chat, book giveaways and more!

Please reach out to us! Is there a specific topic you'd like us to address in October, or do you have a question about ADHD for Dr. Hallowell? Send us a message detailing your question or show idea to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

Is the world becoming more unkind? Does technology play a role in how nice we are to one another? On today's episode we're talking about the state of kindness in our crazy busy world. Ned shares his thoughts on why being kind is important to everyone, and the Distraction team gets a variety of reactions when they head out on a kindness experiment. Plus, US News & World Report journalist, Jennifer Lea Reynolds joins Ned to talk about her mission to inspire people to be more kind to one another.

Dr. Hallowell shares a personal story about his strong connection to a man from South Sudan, as he reflects on this year's United Nation's International Day of Peace theme: Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.

Anyone who knows Dr. Hallowell knows he LOVES animals, especially dogs. He's talked several times on the podcast about his own dog, Ziggy, and how he prescribes a dog for all of his patients. In this extra special episode, NY Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger, talks with Dr. Hallowell about her latest book, Maverick and Me, the story of a little girl who adopts a puppy and gives him a forever home. And then the Distraction team heads to an animal shelter to check out all of the adoptable animals! Listen all the way to the end to find out how you can win a copy of Maverick and Me!

Dr. Hallowell addresses several listeners' concerns this week including how to change routines; anxiety and how it's related to muscular tension in the body; dealing with emotional stress; and controlling your reactions in certain situations. Ned also addresses a concern from one mother wondering if there is a correlation between ADHD stimulant medication and eating disorders.

If you have a question you'd like Dr. Hallowell to address email a note or voice memo to connect@distractionpodcast.com and we'll address it in a future episode!

Please click HERE to take our listener survey! It just takes a moment and we'd REALLY appreciate it!

As a parent of 3 adult children, Dr. Hallowell knows what it's like to have an empty nest. In this quick mini, Ned shares his thoughts on the transition that parents make when their kids finally move out of the house. And in Ned's case, what happens when they move back! As Dr. Hallowell says in this episode, "Empty nesters should celebrate victory."

Have you taken our listener survey yet? Please click HERE to take our quick, 2-minute survey! Thanks in advance!

Scientists have discovered that there is a specific type of music for your personality type that can put your brain into a "flow state" making you hyperfocused. In this episode Dr. Hallowell speaks with Will Henshall, founder of focus@will, a company that is scientifically engineering music that has been proven to increase focus 4x and optimize your productivity, to find out how it works and why.

If you'd like to take the focus@will quiz to find out what your focus music is, click HERE.

Hurricane Harvey has brought trillions of gallons of rain to Texas but it's also brought something else-- kindness and compassion. In this mini, Dr. Hallowell shares some of the heartwarming stories of how people and companies are coming together to help one another, and he also shares how you can help Texans in their time of need.

To help:

Text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross.

Whether your child has ADHD or not, most can use a little help with the changes and adjustments that going back-to-school requires. This episode is chock full of advice on how to set students up for success during the first few weeks of school and onward. In the first half of the episode Dr. Hallowell speaks with ADHD parent coach, Cindy Goldrich, about parenting the child you have, and ways to get all kids back into the swing of things. They talk about goal setting, not just for the kids, but for the parents too! In the second half of the show, we have two teachers (one high school teacher and one elementary school teacher) in the studio who share their thoughts on what specifically kids can do to start the school year off right. We suggest listening to this episode all together, as a family!

For more information on Cindy Goldrich click HERE. Cindy is offering Distraction listeners the introductory chapter of her book, 8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD along with a 20% discount on her Calm and Collected: Parenting Kids with ADHD/Executive Function parent workshop series.

We know there are plenty of couples who love football equally, but what advice would Ned give to those who don't share their significant other's passion for the sport? Listen to this quick mini and find out!

Have you taken our listener survey yet? Click HERE to answer a few questions for us. Thanks in advance!

From terrorism, disease, war, kidnappings and more, we live in a fear-filled society. However, historically Americans are safer and healthier than ever before. So why doesn't it feel that way? Dr. Hallowell speaks with sociologist Barry Glassner, whose book, The Culture of Fear, explores why the perception of fear has increased, and not the actual level of risk. They talk about who profits from our fear and why. We also hear from people on the street about what they fear.

Please take a moment to fill out our listener survey! It's only 7 quick questions and we'd really appreciate it! Thank you in advance.

How do you know when your parent or loved one can no longer make good financial decisions? Unfortunately, many don't notice until it's too late. In this week's episode Hilary tells us her dad's story, an independent investor who lost his life's savings while battling Alzheimer's and dementia. Dr. Hallowell also talks to the man whose company is trying to help people avoid financial catastrophes like the one Hilary's family experienced.

We’re trying to learn more about our listeners and get a better demographic handle on the people like yourself who listen to Distraction Podcast. Just go to our website, www.distractionpodcast.com and click on the blue words in the upper right corner that say, “Take Listener Survey.” It’s very short and we’d really appreciate it!

When was the last time you left your smartphone at home... on purpose? We sent Dr. Hallowell out on an adventure without his to see how he'd manage, and of course, we were there every step of the way! After Ned's adventure, keep listening for a roundtable discussion that uncovers how your age might play a role in how you use your phone.

Dr. Hallowell's wife Sue returns to Distraction to address listeners' ADHD questions. Sue Hallowell is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and has been married to Ned for nearly 30 years. They've also raised 3 children together who all have ADHD, so you could say Sue is somewhat of a subject-matter expert! Listeners ask about issues with their kids, spouses and more.

Feelings of irritation, disorganization and procrastination can throw your life out of balance, but they often go hand in hand with an ADHD diagnosis. In this mini, Dr. Hallowell chats with fellow ADHDer James Ochoa, LPC, about his life's work to help others resolve their issues, tap into their passion and strengths, and realize their full potential by creating personalized strategies for success.

This week we're sharing a few good distractions with listeners via our sister podcast, Just the Right Book with Roxanne Coady, and a recent talk the host and bookseller gave where she shared her best picks for summer. If you're looking for a good book to take on vacation or just want an escape from the every day, Roxanne has a ton of recommendations!

Ned draws a lesson from a humorous (but true) story of a fake plant in our studio. "Maybe by watering illusions, maybe we water our souls," says Ned about the on-going watering of an artificial cactus.

Happiness is big business in the United States, but ironically we're less happy than ever. According to the United Nations' 2017 World Happiness Report the U.S. doesn't even make the top 10 list! In this episode we take a look at the happiness industry in the United States, and hear from the man who is running the longest study on happiness ever recorded to find out what secrets they've uncovered about living a long and happy life.

There's nothing like a good traffic jam to make you lose your cool. In this mini Dr. Hallowell shares the story of a recent frustrating commute he made to our studios in Hamden, Connecticut. He reminds himself (and listeners) about some of the ways he can combat a stressful situation in the future.

Jessica McCabe knows what it's like to struggle with ADHD. Diagnosed as a teen, she now helps others understand their ADHD brains through her wildly popular YouTube channel, How to ADHD. Jessica spoke with Ned about the unique struggles millennials with ADHD face in our crazy-busy 24/7 world.

And don't forget to catch Dr. Hallowell's conversation with Jessica on her YouTube channel starting this Thursday: How to ADHD

What is constructive worry? What is toxic worry? Ned gives guidance on what they are and how to tell the difference. He shares his simple, three-step plan for controlling those anxious feelings we all get.

This episode was originally released in June 2016. New episodes return next week!

Corinne Fisher & Krystyna Hutchinson are on a mission to spread the word that women should be able to have sex with whoever they want and not be ashamed or called names. The comedians joined Dr. Hallowell in the studio for a frank and entertaining discussion about sex, relationships and their groundbreaking podcast, Guys We F****d: The Anti-Slut Shaming Podcast.

For many of us, when we get hurt our natural inclination is to seek revenge. But that’s not good for our health! In this mini episode, Ned stresses the importance of letting go of anger and resentment. It’s not easy, but the benefits are definitely worth it!

Ned hears from the pros, kids, parents and a special guest as he explores screen-time, online dangers, setting limits, and the latest apps parents should be concerned about. He also talks to a security expert and former FBI agent posing undercover online as a 13-year-old girl about these Internet risks.

Ned also talks with Dr. Susan Linn, co-founder of the campaign for a commercial-free childhood about the effects of media on youth and setting limits.

Age doesn't really matter! World-renowned leader in brain health, Dr. Paul Nussbaum shares his prescription for longevity and quality of life with Dr. Hallowell. Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with how old you are!

Dr. Hallowell and his longtime co-author, Dr. John Ratey, pick-up where they left off in Part 1 by answering more listener questions. Anxiety, slow processing speeds, helping someone you love with ADHD and other issues are all covered in this show.

Join the conversation and be a part of the show! We're looking for callers and questions for an upcoming episode featuring Dr. Hallowell and his wife, Sue! They've raised three kids with ADHD, have been married for a very long time, and Sue is a social worker so they can talk about a variety of subjects! Email your question and contact info to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

When you feel engaged and connected to the world you become less distracted. In this week's mini episode Dr. Hallowell talks about ten key connections you should foster in order to live a happier and more focused life. This episode was originally released in September 2016.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR LISTENERS TO PARTICIPATE IN AN UPCOMING EPISODE!

Dr. Hallowell and his wife, Sue, are recording a special episode about living with and loving someone who has ADHD. As many of our listeners know, Dr. Hallowell has ADHD and he and Sue's three children have it as well. So if you have a question about raising a child with ADHD, or being a parent with ADHD, or anything related please reach out to us so you can be included in the show! Just send us an email with your question to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

Car manufacturers are enticing buyers with the latest technological advancements, but are the newest vehicles helping or hindering drivers? In this show the editors of Car & Driver magazine take listeners on an adventure in a self-driving Tesla, and Ned goes to a Mercedes dealership to check out the bells and whistles of the S-class model. Listen in and decide for yourself whether all of the new technology is a good thing or a bad thing.

And we're still looking for callers and questions for Dr. Hallowell's wife, Sue, when she joins Ned in the studio on June 26th! Do you have a question about raising kids or being married to someone with ADHD? Send an email to connect@distractionpodcast.com with your question and phone number.

In this special episode Dr. Hallowell outlines the ADHD program he's offering from August 7-11, 2017 called "Unwrapping the Gifts: A Strength-Based Approach to ADHD Across the Life Span." This seminar is being offered through the Cape Cod Institute and will explore the entire world of ADHD in its human as well as its clinical and scientific dimensions. It will provide a solid, practical basis for diagnosis and treatment at all ages. To sign up or get more info: Cape.org.

Do you love someone who has ADHD? Sue Hallowell returns to Distraction to talk with listeners and answer their questions about loving (and living with) someone who has ADHD for an upcoming episode. Not only has Sue supported Dr. Hallowell throughout their marriage, but she's also raised three children who also have ADHD. You might say she's an expert on the subject!

If you have a question for Sue and you're available by phone on Monday, June 26th (when we're recording the episode) please send an email to connect@distractionpodcast.com. Be sure to include your question and phone number so we can arrange the details!

Thrown down a flight of stairs at 2 years old; moved to America for love then got divorced; homeless at 16... Dr. Hallowell hears three fascinating life stories when he goes back to Distraction's favorite electronics-free coffee shop to connect with other customers. Conversations about PTSD, mental illness, and starting your own business are highlighted in these three exchanges with patrons of East Rock Coffee in New Haven, Connecticut.

Staying neat and organized is good for a focused mind, but it takes effort! Professional organizer, Judith Kolberg, offers tips for getting rid of stuff you don’t need and shares insight on when it’s time to call an expert.

Internet addiction is a very real problem, with real consequences. And it’s way more prevalent than you think. This week, we hear from a young man about his struggles with a gaming addiction. And, a woman who asked to remain anonymous, shares the emotional story of how her whole life was changed by a loved one’s addiction. (After making this episode our production team was left questioning their own internet usage, as well as their family’s.)

Dr. Hallowell is in San Diego this week attending the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, but took a few moments to share his thoughts and offer guidance to listeners on the terror attack that killed 22 people and injured 59 at the Manchester Arena in England, at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert last night.

It’s the ADHD call-in show! Dr. Hallowell is joined by his longtime co-author Dr. John Ratey, and together they talk to listeners. Nothing is off limits, including medication, alternative treatments, coping with day-to-day challenges and more.

Have you heard that sitting is the new smoking? Dr. Beth Frates, a Lifestyle Medicine Specialist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, shares her tips and ideas for incorporating healthy habits into your daily life to decrease stress and help you live longer!

She’s taught thousands how to take action and realize their dreams through her award-winning show, MarieTV, and training program, B-School. Full of inspiration and optimism, Forleo lives her life by the mantra, “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.” Listen as she and Ned talk about cynics, fear and getting what you want out of life.

Are people more distracted than ever? If the news is any indication, the answer is yes! From distracted driving to fidget spinners we've rounded up the latest distraction-related stories making headlines this week!

How much time do you spend staring at a screen? Maybe it’s not your fault. Maybe the internet is designed to be addictive. Ned takes a look at the issue, and we send our producers down a digital rabbit hole to show you how we all get sucked in. Learn about a wonderful new invention that can help you unplug but stay connected, and why a digital detox should be part of your regular diet.

Being successful in life takes hard work, especially when you have ADHD! Dr. Hallowell offers several tips for adults with ADHD to get the most out their "ferrari-engine brains" and thrive in life.

Please share this episode with someone you know who has ADHD. Let's all help each other and continue to build our ADHD community! If you have a question for Dr. Hallowell or a show idea send it to connect@distractionpodcast.com.

While Dr. Hallowell's demanding schedule has him travelling around the country and the world, we're taking a second listen to some of Distraction's most popular episodes from Season 1.

In this episode Ned goes back to East Rock Coffee, the no-electronics café, where he connects with David Reed, who received his PhD at the University of Toronto in New Testament Studies, and is a post-doc at Yale in Religious Studies. A serious, yet sometimes lighthearted conversation ensues about the history of sex in early Christianity.

Abraham Lincoln once asked, "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" In this "Throwback Thursday" mini Distraction from Season 1, Ned gives practical tips for handling the challenging people in your life, whether it’s your boss, teacher or relative. (Come on, we all have at least one!) Ned also shares a story from his own past about a difficult person he dealt with in medical school.

Ned's advice never gets old! Listen to this re-release featuring a compilation of some of Dr. Hallowell's most popular advice from Season 1. Learn how to get the most out of your day, control worry, deal with difficult people and more-- in about 20 minutes!

In our world of ever-evolving technology, advertisers are constantly on the lookout for new ways to capture kids' attention. The most recent craze has parents buying boatloads of Elmer's Glue to help their children make homemade slime. Dr. Hallowell talks with advertising execs (including his own daughter!) about how companies are targeting kids and talks with a media expert about how parents should educate their children to be smarter consumers.

This episode is sponsored by OmegaBrite, the premier natural advanced omega-3 formula for mind, heart, and joint health.

Dr. Hallowell recently spoke to a live audience in Manhasset, NY about the crazy-busy, 24/7 technology-driven world we live in and how to take back control of your life. Ned likens people to lab rats participating in a massive behavioral conditioning experiment and explains the scientific importance of making time to connect with the people and things you love.

Dr. Hallowell gets all fired up as he answers your questions this week! One listener reached out for help with an ethical question regarding a career choice and ADHD, another looks for help with an angry spouse, and another struggles to make meaningful connections.

Thank you so much to all of our listeners that have been sending in questions and show ideas! If you have a question for Dr. Hallowell or an idea for an episode reach out to us at connect@distractionpodcast.com. Or leave us a voicemail at 844-55-CONNECT.

This episode is sponsored by OmegaBrite, the premier natural advanced omega-3 formula for mind, heart, and joint health.

The legendary doctor brings his message of hope and love to the Distraction studios for a heartwarming conversation about life, medicine and his latest book, Love, Animals and Miracles: Inspiring True Stories Celebrating the Healing Bond. Bernie talks about the healthy and unhealthy reasons for people's behavior and says, "What I tell people is, if you don't know how to behave ask yourself WWLD-- What Would Lassie Do? And then go do that."

How we can decipher fact from fiction when it comes to climate change, vaccines, cancer treatments and other science news? Listen in and learn the best strategies for determining fact from fiction in a world filled with bad reporting and fake news. As Ned says in this episode, "So we no longer need to think about telling the truth, we have to think about marketing the truth."

Most of us have been annoyed at one time by the sound of another chewing or breathing, but for some it goes way beyond annoyance. For those who suffer from misophonia, everyday sounds like gum chewing, lip smacking, or clicking a pen can induce feelings of outrage. Dr. Hallowell talks to Josh Furnas, a man who has suffered from misophonia since he was a young child, and Dr. Phillip Gander, an assistant research scientist at the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Iowa about this unusual condition.

A recent study found that meditating for just 30 minutes a day can have amazing health benefits. In this mini episode, Dr. Sara Lazar of Harvard University tells Ned about her research that showed regular meditation can improve a person's focus and increase overall feelings of well-being.

Mitzie, mother of a 4-year old transgender boy talks to Dr. Hallowell about her son's story and the journey they've taken so far. He also speaks with Grayson, a 20-year old college student who opens up about his own experience in becoming his true self. Dr. Hallowell also takes a look a the bathroom debate currently being played out in the courts as he gets opinions from both sides of the issue.

If you could spend the evening at home by yourself, doing absolutely anything you wanted, what would you do? In this episode of Distraction, Dr. Hallowell takes listeners on his personal journey through one rare evening at home alone…. Complete with burgers, a Jack Russell and a whole lot of quiet time.

Dr. Ross Greene believes that whether you're a parent or teacher with a behaviorally challenging child or not, collaboration is the key to solving problems, improving relationships and better communication. Dr. Greene spoke with Ned about the unique model he's developed for finding proactive solutions to behavior problems and ensuring that kids everywhere are treated in ways that are compassionate, informed, and effective.

Sure, he’s written 19 books and counting, hundreds of essays, delivered many speeches, yet even Dr. Hallowell experiences self-doubt - especially when it comes to the creative process. In this mini edition of Distraction, Ned talks about slogging through the "valley of despair” and offers sound advice on how to break through to the other side.

We're starting off the second season with a fascinating conversation between Dr. Hallowell and YouTube superstar, Chris Oflyng. Chris earned his ranking as one of YouTube's top vloggers by recording himself performing wacky stunts and emotional appeals on camera. But despite his 1 million subscribers, Chris reached out to the show for help because he still struggles with his ADHD.

Our Father's Day episode was one of our most popular episodes in 2016. Take a listen and hear why!

In honor of Father’s Day, Ned explores fatherhood in the age of distraction. We hear from Kyle Pruett, an internationally known child psychiatrist, who shares what dads bring to the table that moms don’t, and Ned has a conversation with writer, Mark Greene, of The Good Men Project about how and why dads can develop deep emotional connections with their kids. Grab your dad and give this show a listen!

As the one year anniversary of the Distraction podcast approaches, we're revisiting some of our most popular episodes from our first season. In this episode Dr. Hallowell speaks to parents and educators at the Newman Elementary School in Needham, Massachusetts about surviving in an ultra-competitive, ultra-fast society. Listen in as Ned explains how to prioritize, combine work and play, and reconnect with those you truly care about in order to live a happier, healthier and longer life!

This week, Distraction's producer Sarah Guertin sits down with Dr. Hallowell to share her family's recent experience with bullying and racism. And as Ned tells her, we all share in social cruelty and we all share the responsibility of finding creative solutions to these not-so-new problems.

MDMA (the main component of the party drug ecstasy) is now being used in clinical trials for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In this episode, Dr. Hallowell has an in-depth conversation with CJ Hardin, a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, about how MDMA-assisted psychotherapy helped his PTSD. Rick Doblin, the founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), also joins Dr. Hallowell to talk about the history of MDMA, the clinical trials and the newest research that is being funded by his organization.

In honor of Black History Month, Dr. Hallowell shares some of his personal connections to black history and the cause of equal rights for all people, including abolitionist and women's rights activist, Lucretia Mott.

Most of us have been in a situation where we didn't have all of the answers-- when we didn't know what to do next or where to turn for help. In this episode, Ned talks with the team at Wisdo.com, a new online community that connects users looking for guidance with people who've gone through something similar. Wisdo is described as a search engine for life experiences, powered by those who've been there. In fact, keep an eye out for Dr. Hallowell's ADHD video on Wisdo's website soon!

If there's one thing that brings Americans together, it's football! In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, Dr. Hallowell shares his passion for the sport with listeners. And sorry Falcons fans but we have to warn you-- Ned is a diehard New England Patriots fan!

Karina Smirnoff is best known as a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, taking home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy in Season 13 with army veteran and actor, J.R. Martinez. Karina also has ADHD. She spoke to Dr. Hallowell recently about her diagnosis and how she considers her ADHD to be an asset.

French workers now have "the right to disconnect" outside of work hours, thanks to a new law that took effect Jan. 1. As work-related stresses continue to grow for many, Dr. Hallowell wonders if this new law will catch on in other parts of the world. He reinforces the importance of screen-free time and encourages all of us to recreate the boundaries that we've torn down.

Ned and the Distraction team head to East Rock Coffee in New Haven, CT to practice the art of paying it forward. Plus Pay It Forward author, Catherine Ryan Hyde, shares her thoughts on why the do-good movement is still going strong nearly 20 years after the book's release.

Research shows that if you do something nice for someone else it can have a major impact on your own happiness. In this mini Dr. Hallowell issues a challenge to listeners to go and do something good, and report back to Distraction with the results!

So please, tell us how it went! Send an email or a voice memo describing your experience to connect@distractionpodcast.com or leave a voicemail at 1-844-55-CONNECT.

Nearly 1 in 3 students from middle and high school has experienced cyberbullying at some point, according to the Cyberbullying Research Center. Dr. Hallowell speaks with Dr. Lisa Strohman, founder of the Technology Wellness Center, about this serious issue and specifically about the recent case of Brandy Vela, a Texas teen who was pushed over the edge by cyberbulling. Dr. Strohman also expounds on the dark side of the internet and how kids are getting themselves into serious trouble.

Dr. Hallowell reacts to the shooting at the Fort Lauderdale, FL airport on January 9, 2017. He shares his thoughts on how "the system" failed the shooter and questions how we can get mental health help to the people who really need it.

This week Dr. Hallowell talks to several listeners who have reached out to Distraction with questions. Liz from Seattle has concerns about self-doubt, Sammy talks to Ned about her young daughter's ADHD diagnosis, Nikki seeks advice on dealing with her partner's angry outbursts, and Ellen from New York looks for guidance regarding her daily struggles around transitioning from one task to the next.

Happy New Year to all of our listeners! In this short episode, Dr. Hallowell shares his hopes for the new year, and asks you to think about what you want to accomplish in 2017. As Henry Ford famously said, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right!"

Dr. Hallowell looks back at this past year and encourages listeners to do the same. This will be our only episode this week as the Distraction team takes time to be with our families. Happy Holidays! We'll see you in 2017!

Remember to write a review of Distraction on Itunes by December 31st for your chance to win a 30-minute phone call with Ned.

Entrepreneur, writer and serial do-gooder Marie Forleo returns to the show to talk about how we can be a force for good in the world, and specifically how we can all help the people of Aleppo right now.

Alan Meckler is an internet pioneer and former CEO of Mediabistro who has found incredible success in life despite having dyslexia. In fact, he didn't even realize he had the condition until somewhat recently. Ned and he chat about the unusual way Meckler was diagnosed and how dyslexia has actually helped him prosper.

Sometimes the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season can leave you feeling stressed to the max. This week's episode can help! Join Ned as he's led through a simple breathing exercise designed to put you at ease and make you feel more in the moment. You can re-listen to this episode and repeat the exercise as often as you like!

In the wake of one of the most contentious presidential elections in history, Dr. Hallowell urges all of us to reconnect with those around us, especially those who hold different beliefs. He challenges listeners to set their political views aside and find the commonality that still exists.

Here's a novel idea-- let's actually ENJOY the holidays this year! For this week's episode we gathered together a group from CRN headquarters (where Collisions is produced) to put into practice Dr. Hallowell's mantra of "never worry alone." The lively gang shares laughs, stories, stressors, and tips for getting it all done while still having some fun. And there is no shortage of fun in this conversation!

The holiday season is a time of year that's supposed to make you feel happy. But that's not the case for many of us. In this episode, Dr. Hallowell talks about his own struggles with the holidays and offers some thoughtful and practical ways to make yourself feel better.

Dr. Hallowell believes in the power of connection as a means to living a happier and healthier life. In this episode he puts his belief into practice by hitting the streets of New York in search of smiles and real moments. As you'll hear it's not always well-received, but that doesn't stop Ned from trying! He meets some interesting and fun people along the way as he shows all of us that it is possible to make connections wherever you go.

Happy Thanksgiving! In this special mini episode, Dr. Hallowell shares a message of love, connection and gratitude. We've included a montage of kids sharing their thoughts on what they're thankful for that you won't want to miss! And a big thank you to all of our listeners in the Distraction community. We are so very thankful for you!

So many listeners have reached out with questions that we're dedicating an entire episode to answering them! This week, Dr. Hallowell addresses your concerns about ADHD medications and diagnoses, focus problems, dealing with insecurities, organizational issues and more. If you have a question for Dr. Hallowell, record it on your smartphone with the voice memo app and email it to connect@distractionpodcast.com and we might include it in a future episode!

As more and more "screens" compete for our attention, Dr. Hallowell believes it's crucial to set boundaries and limits with them. In this mini, Dr. H offers suggestions to help you control when, where and how you use your phone, computer and other electronics.

It's ironic, but the holidays can easily distract us from what's most important. This week Dr. Mehmet Oz shares with Dr. Hallowell his best tips and tricks for staying at your best during the holiday season. From what to eat and when to eat, to the best kinds of presents and avoiding the holiday blues, Dr. Oz and Ned have you covered!

Our minds can easily be overrun these days with interruptions, obligations and general clutter. In this mini, Dr. Hallowell offers five quick tips for weeding out your mind and quieting all that noise.

What happens after November 8th? How do we shed the negativity of this epic political season and move forward as a nation? Senior Polling Editor at Huffington Post, Natalie Jackson, weighs in along with media mogul Alan Meckler to give their thoughts on what's happened and what the future looks like.

A traditional classroom isn't always the best place for a child with learning differences. That's why schools like Eagle Hill School in Greenwich, CT are so important. In this mini, Ned explores how specialized schools work to address each child's specific educational needs and help them become successful learners.

With the election just days away, Dr. Hallowell spoke to leaders on both sides of the marijuana debate to get a clearer picture of what's at stake. Keith Stroup, the founder of NORML, and Jennifer Tejada, the Chief of Police for Emeryville, California, weigh-in with their thoughts on the legalization of marijuana.

ADHD Awareness Month is almost over but we had to share one more mini episode! In this bonus show, Dr. Hallowell answers some of the most frequently asked questions he gets about ADHD. From treatment options to medications and more, you'll gain a clearer understanding of the condition after listening to this episode.

For Dr. Hallowell, having ADHD means anything "boring" can feel like a medical emergency. In fact, you'll never believe what he did back in medical school to escape one "boring dinner" with classmates and professors.

It's a mini Distraction, but it's extra special so it's a little longer than usual!

Do you have a question for Dr. Hallowell? Email it or record a voice memo on your smartphone and send it to connect@distractionpodcast.com. Or leave us a voicemail at 844-55-CONNECT.

We've all been rejected at one time or another, but what do you do if you have a condition that turns those feelings of rejection into an intense and overwhelming pain? Worse yet, what if it's your child that has this condition? Dr. Hallowell offers advice to one Dad whose son is struggling with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and his advice is applicable to all of us. Ned also speaks to a listener with ADHD who has struggled for years to find a sense of inner peace and satisfaction.

Do you have a question for Dr. Hallowell? Email it or record a voice memo on your smartphone and send it to connect@distractionpodcast.com. Or leave us a voicemail at 844-55-CONNECT.

Some days can be harder than others to cross things off your to-do list. That's why you need a plan! Learn how to stay on track with Dr. Hallowell's simple model for self-coaching. Regardless of whether you have ADHD or not, this easy-to-follow guide will keep you on task and moving forward toward your goals.

You can't tell kids with learning differences to "try harder," says Dr. Hallowell, speaking live to educators at the New York State Association of Independent Schools' conference as part of ADHD Awareness Month. Dr. Hallowell discusses the history of learning differences and treatments, and offers some new solutions.

The hustle and bustle of modern life conspires to make many of us feel like we have ADHD, even when we don't. Dr. Hallowell talks about ways to deal with the daily distractions that leave us feeling frantic, forgetful and frustrated, and how to get back to your cool, calm and collected self!

What can we do to combat chronic stress and over-stimulation we face every day? Ned explores – and gives listeners a chance to participate in -- a meditative form of Yoga called Yoga Nidra that carries great health benefits and helps anyone who has challenges staying focused, such as people with ADHD.

On a recent afternoon at The Hallowell Center in NYC, Dr. Hallowell sat down with his wife Sue for a heartwarming conversation about his own ADHD and their marriage. Sue doesn't hold back and gives listeners a clear picture of what it's like to be the only one in their house without ADHD. (Their 3 kids also have ADHD!) She shares her insights and tips for living with and loving someone who has ADHD.

Corinne Fisher & Krystyna Hutchinson are on a mission to spread the word that women should be able to have sex with whoever they want and not be ashamed or called names. The ladies join Dr. Hallowell in the studio for a frank and entertaining discussion about sex, relationships and their groundbreaking podcast, Guys We F****d: The Anti-Slut Shaming Podcast.

When you feel engaged and connected to the world you become less distracted. In this week's mini episode Dr. Hallowell talks about ten key connections you should foster in order to live a happier and more focused life.

It's the source of thousands of driving accidents, and has people walking down streets but not looking where they're going. Pokemon Go is the latest technological distraction, but do players realize it or even care? Washington Post Technology Reporter Haley Tsukayama visits Dr. Hallowell to help put this augmented reality game in perspective.

Age doesn't really matter! World-renowned leader in brain health, Dr. Paul Nussbaum shares his prescription for longevity and quality of life with Dr. Hallowell. Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with how old you are!

Dr. Emily Morse, host of the top-rated podcast Sex with Emily, talks with Ned about why couples aren't having as much sex as they used to, what the obstacles are and how to overcome them. As Emily says, men are like frying pans and women are like slow cookers! Ideas and suggestions offered up in this show will help you keep the fire burning in your bedroom.

This week we compiled some of Dr. Hallowell's most popular advice and put it into one episode. Learn how to get the most out of your day, how to control worry, deal with difficult people and more, in about 20 minutes!

Meditation has numerous health benefits yet many of us don't do it. In this mini, Dr. Hallowell talks about the simple headband he uses to help meditate that connects wirelessly to your smartphone and tracks your brain activity in real time. Ariel Garten, co-founder and CEO of the Muse headband chats with Ned about the new technology that helps you decrease stress and anxiety, and find your Zen in as little as 3 minutes a day.

Save yourself some stress and do a little homework before the new year starts. Dr. Hallowell offers up ideas you can implement now to help make the transition as smooth as possible for you and your kids! And if the new school year is already underway where you live, these tips can still help you establish routines and get organized.

Thrown down a flight of stairs at 2 years old; moved to America for love then got divorced; homeless at 16... Dr. Hallowell hears three fascinating life stories when he goes back to Distraction's favorite electronics-free coffee shop to connect with other customers. Conversations about PTSD, mental illness, and starting your own business are highlighted in these three exchanges with patrons of East Rock Coffee in New Haven, Connecticut.

If you're one of those people who likes to help everyone with their problems, it's important to remember to take care of yourself too. Ned offers suggestions on how to help others while still making sure your own needs are being met.

U-S-A! U-S-A! We've got Olympic fever this week as 3-time Olympic gymnast and gold medal winner, Muriel Grossfeld, talks about what it takes to be an elite-level athlete; and Ned speaks with the author of The ADHD Affected Athlete about how ADHD actually helps people excel in certain sports. Just look at Michael Phelps!

Have you heard that sitting is the new smoking? Dr. Beth Frates, a Lifestyle Medicine Specialist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, shares her tips and ideas for incorporating healthy habits into your daily life to decrease stress and help you live longer!

Send us your questions! Emily Morse, host of the popular Sex with Emily podcast will be joining Dr. Hallowell to answer your questions about sex and sexuality. Listen to Ned's message for details about how you can be a part of this upcoming show!

Everyone has a story to tell if you take the time to listen. Ned stops by Distraction’s favorite “electronics-free” coffee shop for a sit-down with East Rock Coffee co-owner, David Oricchio, for a frank discussion about the ups and downs of his life.

Staying neat and organized is good for a focused mind, but it takes effort! Professional organizer, Judith Kolberg, offers tips for getting rid of stuff you don’t need and shares insight on when it’s time to call an expert.

Dr. Hallowell and his longtime co-author, Dr. John Ratey, pick-up where they left off in our last episode by answering more listener questions. Anxiety, slow processing speeds, helping someone you love with ADHD and other issues are all covered in this show.

It’s the ADHD call-in show! Dr. Hallowell is joined by his longtime co-author Dr. John Ratey, and together they talk to listeners. Nothing is off limits, including medication, alternative treatments, coping with day-to-day challenges and more.

Typical people need not apply! Tom Bergeron and Rick Fiery from Inventive Labs tell Ned about the business incubator they’ve created that gives those with ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences the tools they need to maximize creativity and create a viable livelihood.

She’s taught thousands how to take action and realize their dreams through her award-winning show, MarieTV, and training program, B-School. Full of inspiration and optimism, Forleo lives her life by the mantra, “Clarity comes from engagement, not thought.” Listen as she and Ned talk about cynics, fear and getting what you want out of life.

For many of us, when we get hurt our natural inclination is to seek revenge. But that’s not good for our health! In this mini episode, Ned stresses the importance of letting go of anger and resentment. It’s not easy, but the benefits are definitely worth it!

Dr. Hallowell shares his thoughts on a recent New York Times article by Teddy Wayne called, “The End of Reflection.” Ned sounds a warning bell that if we are not careful, we’ll give up our inner lives and capacity to think.

In honor of Father’s Day, Ned explores fatherhood in the age of distraction. We hear from Kyle Pruett, an internationally known child psychiatrist, who shares what dads bring to the table that moms don’t, and Ned has a conversation with writer, Mark Greene, of The Good Men Project about how and why dads can develop deep emotional connections with their kids. Grab your dad and give this show a listen!

What is constructive worry? What is toxic worry? Ned gives guidance on what they are and how to tell the difference. He shares his simple, three-step plan for controlling those anxious feelings we all get.

Ned goes back to East Rock Coffee, the no-electronics café, where he connects with David Reed, who received his PhD at the University of Toronto in New Testament Studies, and is a post-doc at Yale in Religious Studies. A serious, yet sometimes lighthearted conversation ensues about the history of sex in early Christianity.

Our full-length show this week explores internet addiction (Episode #11). In this mini episode, another young man shares his descent into a full-blown internet addiction. He opens up about rehab and touches on the practical side of getting help if you can’t afford inpatient care.

Internet addiction is a very real problem, with real consequences. And it’s way more prevalent than you think. This week, we hear from a young man about his struggles with a gaming addiction. And, a woman who asked to remain anonymous, shares the emotional story of how her whole life was changed by a loved one’s addiction. (After making this episode our production team was left questioning their own internet usage, as well as their family’s.)

Car manufacturers are enticing buyers with the latest technological advancements, but are the newest vehicles helping or hindering drivers? In this show the editors of Car & Driver magazine take listeners on an adventure in a self-driving Tesla, and Ned goes to a Mercedes dealership to check out the bells and whistles of the S-class model. Listen in and decide for yourself whether all of the new technology is a good thing or a bad thing.

Ned reacts to the National Transportation Safety Board’s latest report on the May 12, 2015 Amtrak train derailment in Philadelphia that killed 8 people, and injured nearly 200 other passengers. The NTSB determined that the engineer was distracted by radio dispatches from another train at the time of the crash. Ned talks about the lessons we can all learn from this tragedy.

Ned puts into practice his belief that if we move away from our devices there’s a wonderful world of connection just waiting to happen. For this show, he returns to East Rock Coffee in New Haven, CT, where the use of computers and cell phones is discouraged to have an in-depth conversation with a unique and fascinating person. Meet Stanley.

Be a fly on the wall as Ned gives a live audience the prescription for surviving in an ultra-competitive, ultra-fast society. Learn how to prioritize, combine work and play, and reconnect with those you truly care about for a happier, healthier, and longer life! For real!

Ned gives practical tips for handling the challenging people in your life, whether it’s your boss, teacher or relative. (Come on, we all have at least one!) Ned shares a story from his own past about a difficult person he dealt with in medical school.

How much time do you spend staring at a screen? Maybe it’s not your fault. Maybe the internet is designed to be addictive. Ned takes a look at the issue, and we send our producers down a digital rabbit hole to show you how we all get sucked in. Learn about a wonderful new invention that can help you unplug but stay connected, and why a digital detox should be part of your regular diet.

Ned and the legendary sports broadcaster talk about the good and bad of sports as a diversion, as well as Dick Stockton’s own struggles to stay focused while on the job. Plus, hear Dick’s reflections on the call that made him famous so many years ago -- Carlton Fisk’s famous “waving fair” game-winning homerun ball from Game 6 of the 1975 World Series.

The topic keeps many of us up at night. Ned hears from the pros, kids, parents and a special guest as he explores screen-time, online dangers, setting limits, and the latest apps parents should be concerned about. He also talks to a security expert and former FBI agent posing undercover online as a 13-year-old girl about these Internet risks.

Ned also talks with Dr. Susan Linn, co-founder of the campaign for a commercial-free childhood about the effects of media on youth and setting limits.

The two icons of Mindfulness and Meditation on the same podcast. They’ll help you gain control. Mindfulness pioneer Jon Kabat-Zinn and Herb Benson, who got the world talking about meditation with his book, The Relaxation Response, join Ned for an inspiring conversation. And hear from a guy who created an app to help you on your way.

What do you do to stay in the moment? Send your thoughts and questions to connect@distractionpodcast.com and you might be included in a future episode!

Tossing and turning at night? Ned chats with a sleep expert about how to fall asleep faster and what to do when you wake up in the middle of the night. And listen in as a director for Good Morning America and The Chew takes us through his pre-dawn routine. Can you say early?! Plus, find out what happens when you undergo a sleep study.

What does music do for us? Dr. Dan Levitin and Ned talk about how our brains interpret music, why we find it so captivating, and what all those piano lessons really did for us when we were younger. Dr. Levitin is a neuroscientist and top researcher into how our brains interpret music. He is the author of several #1 best-selling books including, This is Your Brain on Music, and his latest, The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload.

What distracts us and what to do about it. Dr. Dan Levitin, Ned’s guest, neuroscientist and author of The Organized Mind, will explore why humans are so easily distracted and how to stay focused. We’ll hear from a wide range of people about their own distractions and how they deal with them. And, we’ll talk to someone whose advice very well may save your life.